Declan woke as the last rays of the sun faded. He sat up, grabbing his phone to dial Robert McCallister. He was willing to make any deal that would convince the mage to take him to Consuela. She’d continue to sink into despair if he didn’t act now.
Robert answered quickly. “Good evening, Declan. Can I help you?”
“Yeah, I need a favor. Consuela is dealing with guilt that will tear her open. I would be in your debt if you could take me to her home in New Orleans.”
“You’re in luck. I know where she lives. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be ready. Though you’ll have to call if you need a way back.”
“I can’t thank you enough. And anything I can do, let me know. I will.”
“Don’t worry about it. Erik told me about what happened this morning, and the circumstances around it. Take care of her.”
“Plan to.”
Robert hung up and Declan quickly changed into slacks and a button-down shirt. He rolled up the sleeves and made it to the door in time for the bell to ring. “Come in,” Declan offered.
Robert stepped inside. “Need anything else? Maybe a quick meal?”
Declan smiled. “Wise man. I’ll only be a moment.” He hurried to the refrigerator and drank down a bag of blood. So far, he hadn’t tasted blood from a live source, save his maker. As far as he was concerned, he could do without living blood, too afraid of the monster he could become.
One corner of Robert’s mouth tipped up. “You waste no time.”
“She needs someone with her. I don’t want her left alone to wallow.”
“Then let’s go.” He held out his hand.
Declan took it and they were instantly on a doorstep in the sweltering heat of New Orleans.
“Good luck, my friend. And you have my number.” Robert disappeared.
The sound of her breathing and scent of her tears weighed heavily on Declan’s heart. He pressed the doorbell. When she didn’t answer, he called out, “Come on, dove, open the door.”
Her gasp sent threads of hope and worry through him. Then she moved, and footsteps neared. She opened the door a crack. Her pink-tinged blue eyes were bloodshot, her face red. No words came from her lips.
He pushed his way inside, shut the door, and took her into his arms. “Hey now, I’m here for you.” Taking in the room with a glance, he noticed the old photos of her brother on the couch, coffee table, the mantle, every damned surface. The problem became clear.
“Let’s get you out of here. We’ll take a walk, find you something to eat where you’ve never been before.”
“I’ve lived in this city all my life. I know all the restaurants, every shop, everywhere.” The hopelessness in her voice tore into his heart.
Tipping her face up with a gentle nudge, he smiled. “Then come back to Edenton with me. At least for a few days.” Hopefully more, because the second he entered her presence he knew she was the missing piece in his life. She was the one person he needed to fill the remaining gaps.
“Why are you doing this for me?” she whispered, placing her hand over his heart.
“Someone needs to.” Looking down, he saw the bracelet around her wrist and smiled. “It looks lovely on you.”
Blushing, she glanced away. “Thoughtful, but I didn’t need a gift.”
“No, but it’s one I wanted to give. I chose the stones. My son crafted the jewelry and enchanted protection into the metal and stones.”
“You are too good for me. You should have stayed away. I could have slipped from your mind.”
“Nothing will make you fade from my thoughts or heart.” He captured her face and dried the stray tear. “As you can see, I’m not letting you slip away. Not until you tell me that’s exactly what you want and make me believe you mean it.”
She blinked, staring into him. “Letting me go would be your best decision.”
He pressed his forehead to hers. “No. Leaving you like this would tear a hole in my heart. I can’t deny your call in the dream world. I don’t want to. You’re one more thing for me to live for.”
* * * *
Dark thoughts swirled, but Declan was the light, leading her back to herself. Could he be her life raft too? He came to her, but with all these things that reminded her of Everaud, she didn’t know how to let her brother go.
A desperate thought entered her head. Leaving New Orleans might be the best way to let him go. She captured Declan’s hands. “Maybe new scenery would help.”
“Robert already promised to take me back to Edenton. You could stay in my new home. Away from all the memories that weigh on you.”
“Your family won’t mind?”
He laughed softly. “Dove, they’re grown. Other than hoping I find someone to fill the emptiness, I doubt they have much care about who that is. Besides, I feel more alive than I have in decades. I want to help you get there too.”
“Let me gather a bag.”
He glanced up the stairs. “Want company while packing? I need to make a quick call, but I don’t want you shutting down again.”
“Give me a moment. I’ll be down quickly.” She leaned up to take one more kiss. “I’m glad you came.”
“Pack what you want to bring. And if you choose to stay, we’ll figure out how to bring the rest.”
“Sure this isn’t a dream?” she whispered.
“Definitely not, but I’d be here with you if it were.”
“I’m still reeling from your sincerity and willingness to drag me out of this overwhelming sadness.”
Smiling, he gently pushed her toward the stairs. “Already told you, I’d do anything to see you smile. Pack. You’re welcome to stay with me as long as you want, or I can take you to the Bed and Breakfast if you’d prefer.”
“Rather stay with you,” she admitted.
“Then you’ll be in my home.”
Smiling, she backed toward the stairs. “I’ll be right back.”
She packed two small bags and hurried back to the living room.
Declan had cleared the paintings and pictures of her brother. The room wasn’t so overwhelming now. He looked up at her with a crooked smile. “Hope this was all right. Robert is finishing his coffee and beignets before coming back. He didn’t go far.”
“He won’t mind?”
Declan shook his head. “He did offer to take us back. I believe that’s why he stayed nearby.”
“I think I’ve found real friends for the first time in a very long time. All of them unexpected.”
“You’ll find more in Edenton.”
The doorbell rang, and Consuela opened the door. Robert stood on the porch. Relief flooded in. “You’re a welcome sight.”
A smile pulled at his lips, but concern etched his brow. “Thank you. How are you?”
“Better, thanks to Declan, and of course you, for bringing him. Thank you, Robert.”
“My pleasure. Are you ready for a trip?”
“I am. This house holds too many reminders of my mistakes.”
Declan’s hand closed around her waist. “I have your bags.”
“Come in,” Consuela said. “Let me set the alarms and lock the door, then we can go.”
Robert stepped inside. “Planning a long stay?”
“Been thinking about moving to Edenton since our first encounter. The town is lovely, and I feel more welcome than I have here in a very long time. Even if a few people aren’t sure of me, I never felt shunned.”
“There are people in Edenton who only need a little time to acquaint themselves with newcomers. Give them a chance and you won’t feel out of place at all.” Robert touched Consuela’s and Declan’s arms, then they were standing in another house.
“My home,” Declan answered the unspoken question.
Robert dipped his head. “You can call if you need me.” He was gone.
Declan nodded to the stairs. “Shall I put these in my room, or a separate one?”
Doubt fluttered in. “Why the choice?”
He lifted a shoulder. “You’re grieving. I want to do what’s best for you. Whatever that may be.”
“Want me in your bed?” she asked softly.
“I do.”
“I want to be in your arms,” she admitted.
“Then my room it is.” He started up the stairs, and she followed. He placed the bags in a closet and smiled. “Want the tour? It’s not as extravagant as your home, but I like it. I hope you do as well.”
“More than like. And my home was a family monstrosity I inherited. It was never a home. It’s why I spent so much time traveling, and without your intervention, I would have wallowed there, fading away.”
“I couldn’t watch you suffer,” he admitted.
The doorbell rang, and Declan smiled. “My son,” he answered. “Come down and meet him, please.”
She smiled. “Sure.”
He hurried down the stairs, and she followed. Declan opened the door to reveal the younger version of himself. Red hair, emerald eyes. He carried two bags full of groceries.
A petite blonde followed him in, carrying more bags. She grinned. “I heard you needed food.” She tipped her head to Declan. “He called, asking us to bring some by. Since he doesn’t eat it, he didn’t keep it around.”
Consuela ducked her gaze. “Thank you.”
“Thank you, Jamie, Devlin.” Declan took Consuela’s hand and pulled her closer. “This is Consuela Bordeaux, and she will be my guest for as long as she would like to stay.” Light shone in his eyes when he looked at her. Then he smiled at the couple. “This is my son, Devlin, and his sweet mate, Jamie.” Both were werewolves, though Devlin was a druid, while Jamie was an empath. Declan had explained that to her soon after they met. She also knew Declan had been a druid in life, but becoming a vampire cut off his magic completely.
“A pleasure to meet you both,” Consuela offered, truly meaning it.
Doubt wafted through Devlin’s eyes. She had a feeling she’d have to work to gain his acceptance in Declan’s life. Fallon hadn’t seemed concerned when Consuela showed up at her house a month before with Declan. If anything, she seemed amused by the pairing, but she’d known Fallon for a number of years.
She was truly considering staying there, in Declan’s home. That came as a surprise. Just an hour before, she’d wanted to fade from his memory, to save him from her. But Declan was truly irresistible. Hopefully, he was right, and she needed to be there with him to move on.
Consuela offered to take a bag from Jamie, but she winked and moved into the kitchen to start putting stuff away.
“Anything else in the car?” Consuela asked.
“We brought it all in,” Devlin offered, moving past.
Declan took Consuela’s hand. “Don’t mind him. He’s seen me at my lowest point after losing his mother. Watched me fall apart. Of my two children, he may need some time to get used to you in my life.”
“It’s okay.”
“He will come around,” Declan promised.
And if he didn’t, she wouldn’t hold it against him. Devlin had no reason to trust her.
Devlin and Jamie came back.
“You’re stocked up,” Jamie said. “You two enjoy your night.”
Devlin nodded, though he didn’t offer a smile. “Good night.”
“Good night,” Consuela answered softly.
Declan stepped outside with them, then came back inside. “Hungry?”
She shook her head. No, for the moment, she was nervous.
He held out his hand. “Come upstairs with me.”
She took his hand and let him lead the way. Inside, he closed the door and moved an inch from her body.
His emerald gaze locked on hers. “I’ve been going crazy the last month, trying to give you time to do what you needed. And today, when I found you alone and falling apart in your dream, I couldn’t take it. I’ve been there. When I lost my wife, when she died, I needed someone to pick me up. If it hadn’t been for Devlin, I would have slipped away.”
“Do you still miss her?”
“Moira?” he asked.
He’d loved the woman years ago. Had a son and daughter from her. And left to protect her, but she’d died some years later.
“Yes,” she whispered, having to know.
“A part of me always will. But I don’t ache for her any longer. Now, you fill my thoughts, my dreams. Haven’t you ever fallen in love?”
Was he falling already? Was she? “It’s been a very long time. And I’ve never found anyone I synced with. I always find people who are looking for something other than I am.”
“Sometimes we need different stages to find the right balance.”
“You’re right. And I think your wisdom will lead me out of the dark.”
“As much as I can when I can only come out at night.”
A giggle bubbled out of Consuela. “I was always a night owl. Don’t like the sun much.”
He ran his fingertips over her skin, eliciting a shiver. “Another thing in common. And I want to get this out there, but only so we understand each other. Last time we spent the night, I wasn’t ready to fully explore what we could share. I no longer have reservations, other than whatever you have. And with your present situation, I have no expectations.”
“A gentleman, always.”
He tipped his head, one corner of his mouth curving up. “Not always, dove. Depends on what you like.”
She licked her lips, her eyes sliding down. Was she ready for more? Or did she want to float in this space a while before going under?
Consuela took the dive. “You. I like everything about you.”
He wrapped an arm around her when she leaned closer, watching her, searching for something.
For a moment, Consuela thought he’d protest. Then, his tongue darted across his bottom lip, and his hands dove into her hair. Declan kissed her, stealing her breath as he walked her back, against the wall.
She felt every muscle beneath his clothes. Skin, she needed his against hers and skated her palms up his chest to open each button.
Declan deepened the kiss, sliding his hand across her shoulder, to the zipper he pulled down before sliding the dress off her arms. He leaned back and smiled. “Breathtaking, dove.”
She pushed his shirt and jacket off, then opened his pants. “Don’t need flattery,” she answered, her eyes skating up his abs and chest decorated by scars.
Before she could take a closer look, he removed her bra and caught her face, lifting her gaze to his before taking her mouth in a hungry kiss. Then he breathed the words, “Honest truth.” Lifting her breasts, he thumbed one nipple before capturing the tight peak between his lips. His tongue laved over her, shooting sensation through her body where it throbbed in her clit.
Wrapping her hand around his cock, she guided him between her thighs, rubbing his crown over her clit. She gasped, rocking, seeking more friction.
He sucked harder, scraping his teeth over the tight bud. Sharp pleasure shot through her.
She threw her leg over his hip and pulled him into her. He pressed deeper, gripping her ass with one hand, effortlessly lifting her up. She locked her ankles and threaded her fingers through his hair, clutching his scalp.
His nose trailed up the column of her throat, his tongue following the path. A desperate groan left his lips as he thrust harder, faster, filling her until pleasure hovered somewhere near pain, but the sensation was exactly what she needed.
One hand slammed against the wall, then his forehead hit the wall behind her as his breaths came in great pants. His hunger rolled through their link, exciting her further. The wave of his emotions rocked through her. The bond forged as they climbed toward release.
She soared into climax, and he followed, thrusting twice more before crushing her against the wall with what sounded like a strangled sob. Two trails of wet glided down her shoulder and back as he slowly released her.
Tears, those were tears shimmering in his haunted emerald eyes. Agony and guilt swirled through his soul as another tear fell. He backed away. His fangs were fully descended, and his chest heaved.
“One second.” He disappeared.
He hadn’t bitten her. He could have, she wanted him to, but he refrained.
Consuela leaned against the wall, trying to catch her breath. She didn’t want to walk the few steps to the bed on such shaky legs.
What if he had changed his mind?
Why had he freaked out?
Was it his wife?
The connection was instant. She felt his emotion. Knew his pain. His wife didn’t seem to be the cause. No, he was terrified of what he nearly did.
He appeared before her and swept her off her feet, carrying her to the bathroom where he set her on the counter.
Declan wouldn’t meet her eyes. He was already dressed in silk pajamas. A few pale lines showed in the bit of skin on display. “Sorry. Haven’t done that while a vampire. Didn’t expect the craving to be so bad.”
She caught his face, pulling his gaze to hers. “It’s normal for a vampire to want blood while aroused. You can bite. It can be quite erotic.”
“If I were a normal vampire, and you were a simple human, it wouldn’t be an issue. But what I am, dove—a Shadowstalker. Got to avoid Other blood, or there’s a good chance I’ll become the monster the Dales wanted me to be.”
She knew about the Dales, that they held him for twenty years, forcing him to do their bidding. She understood his reasoning. Didn’t change the fact she wanted to be his exception to the rule.
“There’s a way around that. And I think there’s a good chance you can safely drink from me.”
“You mean the blood bond?” He tipped his head. “Don’t want you to feel trapped.”
Some vampires formed a bond with the person they were meant for, similar to mating for the fae or werewolves. What she felt now was what Deathcallers found in their mates. If they traded blood, they’d also become blood bound.
She knew in her soul he was meant for her.
“Declan, I’ve felt this connection from the moment I laid eyes on you. If anything, it grows stronger every time I think about you, which is all the time. Not to mention something grew between us the moment we both found release.”
He swallowed hard, pure terror in his eyes. “What if I can’t control the hunger once I taste your blood?”
She licked her lips. “Would it help if you talked to Victoria about this? And remember, I consume blood too, differently, but I still crave it at times.” As a Crimson Witch, she absorbed blood through her skin, enhancing her power. She didn’t rely on blood to live like Declan, but it was similar.
His gaze landed on her throat and he licked his lips before closing his eyes. “Not tonight, not while I feel this out of control.”
“Should I sleep in another room?”
He pulled her closer, his expression softening. “No. I’ll never harm you, Consuela. Which is why I won’t drink from you until I have some answers. Need to be sure I won’t ruin what’s between us if I do.”
“When you’re ready, I’ll want yours too. Not a lot, just a few drops will be enough.”
Nodding, he wet a rag and caressed between her thighs, cleaning as he went. “I can get answers tomorrow night.”
“You’ll still hold me tonight?”
His eyes locked on hers. “Nothing I want more.”
Except maybe her blood. If she were being honest, a craving for his flared the moment his hunger washed over her. Sooner or later, the craving for his would become too much unless he chose to give her some. The closer she got to a man, the more the craving increased. And with their bond, it was already hovering on the periphery.
A low rumble left his lips as he crouched down and pulled her ass to the edge of the counter, then his tongue swept through her folds. He circled her clit, then sucked as his fingers filled her.
Her head fell back as her hands landed behind her to hold herself up. Every touch sent a wave of pleasure through her. Already sensitive to his touch, but this was more. He pressed harder with his tongue, and she cried out as he worked her back up.
“Declan, please, oh please!”
His tongue delved into her as his thumb rubbed hard circles around the bead of nerves. She came, gushing from the intense orgasm rocking through her body.
A low growl vibrated through her as he lapped at her juices. She collapsed against the mirror, and he ran the rag over her once more. “For now, I can live off your sweet desire.” Truth to his words.
“Take me to bed,” she whispered.
He picked her up once again and carried her back to the bedroom, depositing her under the blankets where he curled around her.
“Sleep, dove. It’s almost dawn. And you have free rein of the house. There are keys to my Escalade on the table by the garage door.”
“Not leaving without you. You’ll find me in your home when you wake.” She trailed her fingers up his side. “Your embrace is the only place I want to be.”
“If you need something that isn’t here, you can go into town to get it.”
A smile graced her lips. “Then I won’t go long if I leave.” She pressed a kiss to his collarbone and curled tighter in his embrace.